Even during Pennsylvania’s red phase, what I witnessed in stores such as Walmart was incomprehensible. People would wear masks just to gain admittance, and then take them down to their necks. Only when ready to check out would many bother to put it back on. They were playing a dangerous game. Then there were those wearing masks with their noses exposed. We are now in the yellow phase and this baffling behavior is continuing.

What good is a mask wrapped around one’s neck, or having one’s nose exposed, if that person is unknowingly carrying the covid-19 virus and happens to cough or sneeze? The virus would spread. Sadly, some stores and employees don’t seem to care.

People being noncompliant might argue it is a matter of choice or an infringement on personal freedom. But that is being selfish. In view of what is at stake, the arrogance, ignorance and stupidity of being inconsiderate in putting others’ health and lives in jeopardy is amazing. We should simply be wearing our masks in stores, with our mouths and noses properly covered. It’s not about us. It’s mainly about other people.

Should coronavirus cases increase and the state goes back to red, with businesses forced to close — and possibly not reopen next time — it won’t be the government’s fault. We will have nobody to blame but ourselves.

Robin Rosewicz

Lower Burrell

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